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South Park

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Isaac Hayes, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Where to watch: UPN, Comedy Central, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Outrageous humor with a message. NOT for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show uses gross-out humor to address serious issues. Audience members are meant to see past offensive content in favor of its socio-political commentary. One character, Cartman, is the embodiment of selfish egotism, and none of the children should be considered role models.
  • Violence:

    Mainly cartoon violence; none of it is scary. One character, Kenny, dies in each episode, usually in a brutal fashion.
  • Sex:

    Jokes about hermaphrodites, homosexuality, promiscuity, and more. Plotlines usually involve at least some sexually related content.
  • Language:

    Fourth-graders swear like sailors, spouting racist, homophobic, and anti-semitic slurs. Even "s--t" airs unbleeped -- though syndicated versions of the show censor that and a lot of other words.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters who use drugs (illegal and prescription) and alcohol are usually portrayed in a negative light.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About South Park

Parents need to know that this show, while animated, isn't meant for kids. There's constant swearing, cartoon violence, potty humor, jokes about sexuality, and mocking of authority figures. One character is made fun of for being physically and developmentally disabled, another for his weight. One of the main characters dies in each episode. People of every race, class, gender, religion, and credo are parodied, albeit usually with the intent of proving a point against hypocrisy and political correctness. Episodes aired in syndication have been edited for content to meet network broadcasting standards.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what life is really like as a fashion photographer. Is the fashion industry as glamorous as it seems? How different are its standards from the real world? Which is more valued -- inner or outer beauty? Why? And for that matter, who's deciding how beauty is defined? How do the fashion industry's values trickle down to popular culture?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about South Park?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 191 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    it says MA for a reason

    i must say, me being 15 actually think at times, why the hell would any body put this show on tv. yes its funny i know but just potty humor. it has mature content written all over it. maybe not as dirty as "drawn together" but somewhat even

  2. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Excellent kids show

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    NOT FOR KIDS!

    This show is outrageous if your child ask to watch this say no!! WATCH OUT FOR THIS SHOW.

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    NOT FOR KIDS!

    This show is outrageous if your child ask to watch this say no!! WATCH OUT FOR THIS SHOW.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    NOT FOR KIDS!

    Even if the content itself is considered barely appropriate for 15-18 year olds, the fact that this show is offensive to so many different people makes it Not For Kids.

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